10 Questions with ... Drex

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

To family members, I am PJ.

WDRQ/Detroit; WIOG/Saginaw; MI, KZIA/Cedar Rapids, IA; WFFY/Fort Walton Beach, FL; WHBQ/Memphis; WNKS/Charlotte; WSTR/Atlanta; WSB/Atlanta

1) You've been on the morning show now for a year-and-a-half with Tad and also the show's producer Kara. How was the transition from Star across the street?

The departure from Star stung. Especially with a wife and three-year-old. But I had a choice -- fold or pick yourself up and control your narrative. The transition to CMG was smooth. It's a very honest culture. Your role and expectations are clearly defined. As far as our show, it's fun because the three of us are extremely different, with the exception of our work ethic. No one on our show, or staff for that matter, is afraid to grind.

2) How would you describe your first radio gig?

It was a dream come true. I was a producer/stunt kid for 93.1 DRQ in my hometown of Detroit. I was 17. I would go in at 3:30a, learn, answer phones, do stunts, whatever. I never left.

3) What led you to a career in radio?

I never wanted to do anything else. I would record the sweepers and jingles from WHYT on one tape and the songs on the other and go back and forth ... I was probably five or six when this started.

4) Atlanta is one of the greatest, radio markets in the country. What's your take on the radio landscape in 2018?

It's a love/hate relationship with Bert. HA! It's hate because he takes us to the cleaners on the regular. But it's a love because strong competition will only make you better. He's shown that this market wants authentic, vulnerable and humorous storytellers. And that's the strategy I brought when I arrived at B.

5) What kind of social media obligations do you have?

CMG doesn't have "obligations." If you have the personal conviction to grow your show, brand and station, you'll do the right thing. With that said, our in-house digital department led by Zac Morgan is top-notch. If you need a picture or just need to discuss strategy/trends, they are always available.

6) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How does the morning show remain visible and involved in the community?

We have several "official" programs we use for community service -- food drives, toy donations, monthly charity visits. But we are constantly scanning the market for local opportunities. Just last week a Braves player signed a fan's baby before a spring training game! We were able to locate them, have a nice chat and give them tickets and on-field passes for the baby's first regular season game.

7) Anything or anyone goes ... who would you most love to be a live guest in the studio with you folks?

Chip and/or Joanna Gaines. My wife and I are big HGTV and real estate people. But to be perfectly honest, I don't like in-studio guests. I would rather have a fun conversation with Tad and Kara about something relatable to our audience.

8) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

Mojo (Detroit); Brent Carey (he gave me my first shot on the air and was very patient); my current boss, Chris Eagan is definitely a mentor. He is extremely self-aware, intelligent and fair. Consultant Steve Reynolds has had the biggest influence on my career. I was in a bad spot mentally/emotionally and he suggested (strongly) that I talk with a counselor. That was approximately eight or nine years ago. It's the reason my relationship with my wife and daughter are as strong as they are today.

9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

The toxic people you work with, whether it be a boss, co-host or sales rep, always get theirs.

10) What advice would you give to someone who wanted to break in to a role on a morning show?

Ask questions and bring content to the show. Most shows are lazy and are always looking to "fill a slot" so if you've got something, there's a good chance you'll get on the air. It doesn't matter if you are an intern. If you're in an Uber and the driver has a great personality, pull out your phone and record it. Also, learn how to tell a story.

If someone was coming to Atlanta for the first time, what would you make sure that they went to see/do?

Antico pizza in midtown. Order by the pie and eat it right off the baking sheet whist sitting cafeteria style in the back of the restaurant that has more code violations than the Frye Festival.